Herd debut on hold ... again

IT WAS certainly not a case of third time lucky for Aston Villa midfielder Chris Herd.

The 23-year-old must now wait a while longer to make his full international debut for the Socceroos after pulling out of the squad to take on Scotland in a friendly in Edinburgh at 5am (AEST) tomorrow through injury.

Herd has strained his quadriceps - he also withdrew from two previous squads due to injury.

He did not travel with the squad as the Socceroos prepare to face the Scots for the first time since 2000, when Frank Farina's side triumphed 2-0 at Hampden Park.

Herd won't be the only player missing the match, which is Australia's final hit out before they continue their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign against Jordan on September 11 and Iraq on October 16.

There will be no Harry Kewell, who is still searching for a club in England after leaving the Melbourne Victory, while former Everton star Tim Cahill is still adjusting to life in New York and was not available.

Lucas Neill, without a club after being released by Al Jazira, will captain the team.